The Best Microphone For Voice Over: Raise Your Voice High!
They say Video Killed The Radio Star. But today, you can be both. A voice for podcasts AND a YouTube star? Yep. Both with the same microphone.
Do you want to start doing voice over work?
In this article, we will discuss the best microphones for voice over work. We'll cover both XLR and USB microphones, so you can find the perfect one for your needs. Stay tuned to learn more!
You might be thinking that a good microphone is out of your price range. But don't worry - we've got you covered! In this article, we will discuss some affordable options for you. So whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, there's a microphone here for you.
Once you've decided on one, purchase a microphone today! And get busy speaking!
How We Choose The Best Microphone For Voice Over For You!
Perhaps you've tried a lot of microphones, but you just can't seem to find the right one that gives your voice or content the sound quality you're looking for.
It's hard to find a microphone that really delivers on sound quality. A lot of them promise a lot, but they just don't quite cut it.
We read through hundreds of reviews to find the consensus on which microphones are favored by podcasters, YouTubers, Social Media influencers, Amazon ACX voice acting, and more. Here they are, ready for your golden throat!
TONOR Q9 Condenser Microphone
What’s Great About It
Welcome to the TONOR Q9 Condenser Microphone. This large diaphragm condenser mic is the perfect tool for anyone looking to improve their audio recording quality. The Q9 features a plug and play design that makes it incredibly easy to use, and its integrated mic volume controls allow you to get the perfect sound every time. Its cardioid polar pattern ensures that your recordings are clear and free of unwanted background noise.
Whether you're a musician, a YouTuber, or just someone who loves to record audio, the TONOR Q9 is the perfect microphone for you.
What You Get
The TONOR Q9 Condenser Microphone is a great all-in-one solution starter kit that includes an adjustable boom stand, desk mount clamp, windscreen, pop filter, and metal shock mount. This TONOR Q9 condenser microphone is a great choice for those looking for an all-in-one solution starter kit.
The TONOR Q9 condenser microphone is a great choice for those who want the ultimate in versatility and convenience.
Amazon Basics Professional Condenser Microphone
What’s Great About It
If you're looking for a top-quality condenser microphone that will help you sound your best on all your favorite platforms, then you need the Amazon Basics Professional Condenser Microphone. This easy-to-use USB microphone is perfect for anyone who wants to improve their sound quality, whether you're recording music, streaming on Twitch or YouTube, or just chatting with friends on Skype or FaceTime.
The Amazon Basics Professional Condenser Microphone features four different pick-up patterns so you can customize your sound, and it also comes with a sturdy stand so you can position it exactly how you want. Plus, it's compatible with all the most popular software platforms, so you'll never have any trouble using it. So if you're ready to take your audio game to the next level, go with the Amazon Basics Professional Condenser Microphone.
What You Get
The Amazon Basics Professional Condenser Microphone has all the features of a standard condenser microphone, plus a few extras that are sure to come in handy. The most notable feature is the adjustable tabletop stand, which allows you to position the microphone at just the right angle. The integrated volume and mute controls are also handy, as is the headphone jack with separate volume controls.
Overall, the Amazon Basics Professional Condenser Microphone is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, affordable microphone.
Fifine Condenser Studio Microphone
What’s Great About It
Looking for an affordable and convenient condenser microphone for your home studio? Look no further than the Fifine USB Condenser Microphone. This Plug and Play mic is perfect for Twitch, YouTube, Skype, and more. Simply connect it to your computer's USB port and you're ready to go! The cardioid pick-up pattern ensures clear and focused audio recording, while the built-in pop filter helps reduce unwanted noise.
So whether you're a musician, podcast host, or gaming streamer, the Fifine USB Condenser Microphone is a great choice for anyone who wants crystal clear audio recordings.
What You Get
The Fifine Condenser Studio Microphone is the perfect way to get professional-quality sound without breaking the bank. This full mic kit includes a boom arm, desk clamp, pop filter, windscreen, shock mount, and Fifine condenser microphone, so you have everything you need to get started. The Fifine microphone is great for podcasting, gaming, streaming, and more. With its noise-cancelling design, it ensures that your audio is clear and crisp. The included accessories are also top-notch quality, making this an unbeatable value.
Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, the Fifine Condenser Studio Microphone is the perfect choice for all your audio needs.
HyperX Quadcast Condenser Microphone
What’s Great About It
Here's an easy to use, plug and play USB condenser microphone! Check out the HyperX Quadcast! This mic is perfect for podcasting, gaming, or any other type of online content creation. With four polar patterns to choose from (cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, stereo), you can tailor your sound to exactly what you need. And the gain control adjustment and headphone jack let you monitor your output and make sure you're sounding your best.
So if you're looking for amazing sound quality and ultimate flexibility, go with the HyperX Quadcast condenser microphone!
What You Get
HyperX's Quadcast Condenser Microphone is the perfect addition to any streamer's or YouTuber's set-up. It comes in black or white, and has a red LED or multicolor option to help you customize your lighting effects. The anti-vibration shock mount helps to reduce any unwanted noise, and the simple tap-to-mute control turns the LED light off when muted. The internal pop filter further reduces any unwanted noise, making it crystal clear for your viewers or listeners.
Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, the HyperX Quadcast Condenser Microphone is a great way to step up your game.
Shure SM7B Dynamic Microphone
What’s Great About It
The SM7B Dynamic Microphone from Shure is a high-quality mic that is perfect for professional recording applications. It features an XLR audio interface connection for easy hookup to your recording equipment, and its cardioid polar pattern ensures that the audio quality of your recordings will be clear and free of unwanted background noise.
Additionally, the advanced electromagnetic shielding on the SM7B protects against hum from computer monitors and other studio equipment, making it a great choice for both voice and musical instrument recordings. Best of all, this microphone requires no phantom power, so you can use it right out of the box without having to worry about any extra cables or power supplies.
So if you're looking for a top-quality mic that can do it all with a smooth, flat, wide-range frequency response, the Shure SM7B is the perfect choice for you.
What You Get
Anyone who knows anything about studios or recording knows the Shure name. It's a name that has been around for decades! The Shure SM7B has a built-in shock isolation and pop filter that helps to reduce background noise and keep your recordings clean. It also comes with a mounting bracket to connect it to mic stands and boom arms.
The Shure SM7B is made of heavy duty construction that can take a lot of wear and tear. It is also very easy to set up and use. The Shure SM7B is a great choice for any recording situation.
Microphone FAQs
You want to start a podcast or video blog, but you don't know which microphone is best for you. There are so many choices.
It can be tough to figure out what kind of microphone you need for your new podcast or YouTube channel. Do you need an XLR mic? A USB mic? What about a condenser or dynamic mic?
We've put together this list of Frequently Asked Questions to help get you started. This guide will help you choose the right microphone for your needs and budget.
What do I need for a home voice over studio?
If you're planning on doing any sort of professional voice work, you'll need a proper home studio. And while you can get started with just a microphone and some basic recording equipment, there are a few other things you should consider if you want to create high-quality recordings. Here's a quick list of what you'll need for a home voice over studio:
First and foremost, you'll need a good microphone. There are plenty of great microphones out there specifically designed for voice work, so do your research and choose one that will fit your needs. You'll also need some kind of recording interface or mixer to connect your microphone to your computer. Again, there are tons of great options out there depending on your budget and needs.
Next, you'll need some good recording software. This is where you'll actually record your voice tracks. There are a lot of great options out there, both free and paid. Just make sure to choose something that's easy to use and that will allow you to edit your recordings if needed.
Finally, you'll want to make sure you have a quiet place to record. Even if your microphone is top-of-the-line, background noise can ruin a recording. So find a quiet room in your house (or even better, invest in a soundproof recording booth) and make sure you won't be interrupted while you're recording.
What is a condenser microphone?
A condenser microphone is a type of microphone that uses the electrical principle of capacitance to convert sound into an electrical signal. This signal is then sent to a power amplifier, which drives a loudspeaker or headphones. They are often used in voice-over work, because they can capture high-frequency sounds with great clarity.
What are the differences between a condenser and a dynamic microphone?
There are a few key differences between condenser and dynamic microphones that are worth noting, particularly if you're planning on using a microphone for voice over work.
Firstly, condenser microphones tend to be more sensitive than their dynamic counterparts, meaning they can pick up more nuances and subtleties in the sonic spectrum. This makes them ideal for capturing delicate sound sources like speech, as well as for recording in less-than-ideal acoustic environments.
Condenser microphones are well-known for their clear, articulate sound. They're often used in professional recording studios for this reason. However, they can be pricey, and they require phantom power (a small amount of electricity) to work.
Dynamic microphones are your standard live performance microphones. They can handle high volume levels without distorting and are less sensitive than condenser mics, making them less likely to pick up unwanted background noise. Dynamic mics are also usually more affordable than condensers.
Secondly, condenser microphones typically require phantom power (a bias voltage typically supplied by an external mixing console or preamplifier) in order to operate, whereas dynamic microphones do not.
Finally, because of their construction, condenser microphones are generally more fragile than dynamics, so they need to be handled with a bit more care.
All things considered, each type of microphone has its own strengths and weaknesses. It's really up to you to decide which one is best for your needs.
What other purposes can I use my Voice Over Microphone for?
There are a number of other purposes you can use your voice over microphone for beyond recording your voice. You can use it for podcasts, live streaming, VoIP calls, and more.
Podcasts are a great way to get your voice out there and build an audience. If you have something to say and want to reach a wider audience and start a podcast, you'll need a good microphone to record your episodes. The tone and quality of your voice are important factors in engaging your listeners, so it's worth investing in a good quality microphone.
Live streaming is another popular use for microphones. If you're a gamer or vlogger, you'll need a microphone to communicate with your audience and provide commentary on your gameplay or videos. A good quality microphone will ensure that your voice comes through loud and clear.
VoIP calls are another common use for microphones. If you're using Skype, Google Hangouts, or another VoIP service, you'll need a microphone to be able to communicate with the other person on the call. Again, a good quality microphone is important for ensuring that your voice comes through loud and clear.
Make music! Different microphones will work better for different types of music, so it's worth doing some research to find the best one for your needs. But once you have the right microphone, you can use it to record your own songs or even start your own band.
What is a windscreen? Why do I need one?
A windscreen, also known as a pop filter or wind muffler, is an acoustic device that is designed to reduce the sound of popping and sibilance plosives (P's and S's) when recording voice over or speech.
The purpose of a windscreen is twofold: first, it protects the microphone from moisture and debris; and secondly, it attenuates the energy of the sound waves created by the popping and sibilance plosives, thus reducing their level in the recorded signal.
Most windscreens are made from a thin layer of open-cell foam rubber. They are generally easy to use and can be attached directly to the microphone with an adhesive strip or velcro fastener.
Whether or not you need a windscreen depends on the type of microphone you're using and the environment you're recording in. If you're using a dynamic microphone in a controlled environment, such as a studio, then you probably won't need a windscreen. However, if you're using a condenser microphone in a less controlled environment, such as outdoors or in a room with a lot of ambient noise, then a windscreen can be helpful in reducing the level of popping and sibilance plosives from the sound waves in your recorded signal.
What does phantom power mean?
Phantom power is a method of supplying power to a microphone using an XLR cable. The term phantom derives from the fact that the power is "phantom", or imaginary, as far as the microphone is concerned. It appears as if the microphone is drawing no power at all, when in fact it is drawing power from the amplifier.
Phantom power is used most commonly with condenser microphones, which require a small amount of dc voltage (typically between 5 and 48 volts) to operate correctly. The voltage supplied by phantom power is usually enough to operate the microphone, but not enough to drive a loudspeaker.
What does signal to noise ratio mean?
The signal to noise ratio (SNR) is a measure of the quality of a signal relative to the amount of noise in the signal. A high SNR means that the signal is strong and clear, while a low SNR means that the signal is weak and noisy.
For example, when you're recording a voiceover, you want to make sure that your signal has a high SNR so that it's strong and clear. This means that there is very little noise in the recording and that your voice sounds smooth and natural. On the other hand, if you have a low SNR, your recording will be noisy and your voice will sound harsh and distorted.
What does cardioid, omnidirectional, bidirectional, polar patterns, etc. mean?
A cardioid microphone is a unidirectional microphone with a heart-shaped pickup pattern. This type of mic is ideal for picking up sound from in front of it while reducing pickup from the sides and rear.
An omnidirectional microphone has a spherical or nearly spherical pickup pattern, meaning it picks up sound equally well from all directions. This type of mic is ideal for picking up room ambiance and is often used for podcasting or voice overs.
A bidirectional microphone has a pickup pattern that is symmetrical about the central axis, meaning it picks up sounds equally well from the front and rear but rejects sounds from the sides. This type of mic can be used to record two people talking at once, making it ideal for interviews.
Polar patterns simply describe how a microphone responds to sounds coming from different directions. The most common polar patterns are cardioid, omnidirectional, and bidirectional, but there are many more. Each type of polar pattern has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to choose the right one for your needs.
Can I use these microphones with my gaming system?
Yes, you can certainly use microphones with your gaming system. But you'll need to make sure that the microphone is compatible with your system.
Assuming you just want to use the microphone for voice chat and don't care about recording high-quality audio, any decent USB headset or actual mic will work just fine.
The Last Word
If you've decided to take the plunge into voice over work, be careful to choose your microphone carefully. Your voice will be your 'brand' so you want to sound as good as possible! We hope that our reviews will help you choose the best microphone for you and your voice, no matter if you plan to create a podcast, start a YouTube channel, do voice acting, or even become a musician!
So let's review what we've reviewed today with these quick links:
Amazon Basics Professional Condenser Microphone
Fifine Condenser Studio Microphone
HyperX Quadcast Condenser Microphone
All you have to do now is click on the red button next to the images above or click on the quick links to get the mic to get you started! But don't use it for a mic drop!